Astros Designate Henry Villar For Assignment

The Astros announced that they designated right-hander Henry Villar for assignment to create 40-man roster space. Houston claimed outfielder Fernando Martinez from the Mets earlier today.

Villar, 24, did not appear with the Astros in 2011, though he pitched in eight MLB games in 2010. He spent last year with Houston's top two affiliates and posted a 5.45 ERA with 5.7 K/9 and 3.4 BB/9 in 76 total innings. In six minor league seasons with the Astros, Villar has a 3.63 ERA with 7.8 K/9 and 2.4 BB/9.